Design and Specification Guidelines - Gaston County Schools

Design and Specification Guidelines Gaston County Schools 

Updated: March 6, 2012 Gastonia, NC 28054 

DIVISION 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

I. Construction Contracts 

A. Issues 

1. Insurance – See GCS Website 

2. Retainage – Percent as defined by NC General Statute 

3. Payment Terms – Process from Architect, GCS Project Management, GCS 

Finance, Gaston County Finance. Plan up to Forty-Five (45) Days. 

4. Sales Tax Form to accompany each invoice 

5. Excluding the General Contractor, but including all sub-contractors to the 

General Contractor, no part of a Contract will be sub contracted to a second / 

third party without the expressed approval of the owner. 

6. N.C. State E-Procurement: On bid form, have line indicating E-Procurement 

Vendor Number (if applicable). Note that E-Procurement costs and fees are 

the responsibility of the contractor. 

7. Consider adding Contingency to the Bid Form, either as a fixed amount or a 

percentage of base bid. Add the following statement: Owner’s contingency as 

identified on the Bid/Proposal Form is intended for the use of the owner at their 

sole discretion. The Contractor may not use or assume that they may use any 

or all of this contingency without prior written consent of and coordination with 

Gaston County Schools. 

8. Projects with a value $500,000 or greater will require the Contractor to obtain 

Builder’s Risk insurance equal to the contract amount. 

B. Processing 

1. Contractor Verification 

a) Check license for compliance 

b) Vendor Debarment / Suspension 

(1) Debarment/Suspension Clause 

(a) All Contracts equal to or exceeding $25,000 are covered 

by 7 CFR Part 3017 – Suspension and Debarment, OMB 

Guidance and USDA requirements of 2 CFR part 180 as 

adopted and modified by USDA regulations 2 CFR 417. GCS 

will insure that contractors are neither Disqualified nor 

Excluded. 

(i) Disqualified – denied participation in Federal 

programs 

(ii) Excluded – Suspended or debarred 

(2) Any one of the following three methods may be used: 

(a) Check the Excluded Party Listing Service 

http://epls.arnet.gov and 

http://www.doa.state.nc.us/PandC/actions.asp to confirm that 

the Vendor is not currently debarred or suspended from 

conducting business in the state of North Carolina. 

(b) Collect a certification that the entity is neither excluded 

nor disqualified. 

(c) Include a clause to this effect in the contract. 

*=Preferred Brand; Bid Alternate Required Page 1 of 38 Pages



2. Three (3) original copies (Architect, Contractor, GCS), plus as many others for 

the contractor as they would like 

3. Signature of Contractor 

4. Signature Block for L. Reeves McGlohon, Superintendent 

5. Signature Block for Mary Jo Lindquist, Finance Officer, with the following 

phrase printed above her signature: "This instrument has been preaudited in 

the manner required by the School Budget and Fiscal Control Act." 

6. After all signatures are obtained, mail contract to the entities noted above. 

7. Make one (1) copy of the GCS copy for Finance - Mary Jo Lindquist. 

8. File the Contract Control Sheet with the GCS Project Management copy of the 

contract 

C. Close out 

1. Project Close-Out – Add language to all contracts: All project close-out 

documentation shall be submitted to the architect within 90 days after 

substantial completion. Failure to comply will be grounds for bid exclusion on 

all future Gaston County Schools projects until close-out documentation 

submittal. Final payment of remaining retainage will not be made until all 

closeout documentation is received and approved. 

2. As-Built 

a) Record Drawings 

b) Latest version AutoCAD and paper drawings by architect 

c) Contractor & Owner red-lines due with Architectural As-Builts 

d) If project is combined (more than one location), separate as-built 

drawings, O&M Manuals for each location is required 

e) The design professional shall update the electronic CAD files with the 

information and changes described on the contractor’s As-Built files. 

The updated CAD files shall be compiled onto a common electronic 

media device, such as a CD-ROM or USB Memory Stick, and turned 

over to GCS as part of the close out documents 

3. Turn-over Documents Required 

a) AIA G702 - Final Application for Payment 

b) AIA G707 - Consent of Surety to Final Payment 

c) AIA G706 - Contractor's Affidavit of Payment of Debts and Claims 

d) AIA G706A - Contractor's Affidavit of Release of Liens 

e) Operation and Maintenance Manuals – Minimum of two (2) copies 

required. 

f) Control Drawings and Manuals Manuals – Minimum of two (2) copies 

required. 

g) Asbestos Letter – States that no asbestos was used. 

h) As-Built Drawings – To be used by Engineer to update contract 

documents 

i) HVAC System Certification – Certifies that all work is installed per code 

and per contract. 

j) Mechanical Guarantee Letter – States dates of Warrantee 

k) Copy of Local Inspection Report 

l) Copy of Certificate of Occupancy 




II. Personal / Professional Services Contracts 

A. RFQ required for any Professional Services Fee that exceeds $30,000. 

1. For Fee anticipated between $30 K to $75 K, Advertise in Gazette only, and 

send invited list by email 

2. For Fee greater than $75 K, advertise in Charlotte Observer and Gazette. 

3. Board Action required for Preferred Professionals 

B. Preferred Professionals 

1. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering 

a) McCracken & Lopez, PA 

2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 500 

Charlotte, NC 28203 

704.376.7072 office 

704.376.4465 fax 

Contact: Dick McCracken 

b) Maloney Engineering 

2504 Whitney Hill Road 


980.226.5661 office 

Contact: Michael Maloney 

2. Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, Special Inspections 

and Environmental Services 

a) Terracon Consultants, Inc. 

2020-E Starita Road 


704.509.1777 office 

704.509.1888 fax 

Contact: Michael Schrum 

3. Surveying Services 

a) Robinson & Sawyer, Inc. 

707 E. Second Avenue 

Gastonia, NC 28054 

704.864.2201 office 

704.864.2276 fax 

Contact: Don Smith 

4. Roof Design Services 

a) REI 

1927 JN Pease Place, 

Suite 201 


Phone (704) 596-0331 

Fax (704) 596-0533 

Contact: Dave Madonia 




5. Commissioning Services 

a) The commissioning process is a quality assurance program for new 

buildings or major renovations. This process is designed to ensure 

buildings meet the needs of the GCS, and are built and operated as 

intended by the design team. The process focuses on environmental 

quality, LEED, “Green Design”, Indoor Air Quality, resource and 

conservation strategy, energy requirements, options for minimizing 

energy usage and life safety considerations. 

b) The Design Professional shall incorporate into each project 

specifications defining the commissioning plan provided by the 

Commissioning Agent. 

c) If commissioning is a required A/E service, then, depending on the 

project, GCS will implement one of two (2) possible commissioning 

models: 

(1) Single Party – relies on the GCS Project Manager 

(Commissioning Agent) to perform the commissioning functions as 

specified within the A/E contract documents. In some cases, the 

Design Professional will be assigned these duties. 

(2) Four Party – requires the participation of the Design 

professional, a Commissioning Agent, the Construction manager, 

and GCS Project Manager. GCS will retain then retain the 

Commissioning Agent to manage commissioning services. 

6. Test and Balance Contractors 

a) The TAB Contractor shall be hired directly by the Construction Manager, 

GCS or Mechanical Contractor – depending on the project. Design 

Professional shall consider and review with GCS during design, the 

necessity of expanding the scope of traditional TAB work to include the 

likes of vibration/sound testing, or IAQ testing. Specifications shall 

indicate that before TAB work begins, TAB contractor shall meet with 

Owner & Design Engineer to develop and approve TAB strategies, 

procedures and reporting format. TAB reports shall be reviewed and 

approved by Design Engineers to verify that the design intent has been 

met. As these reports are essential tools for Facilities during 

troubleshooting, the reports shall include single line schematic diagrams 

showing locations of HVAC system components, balancing devices, 

measurement locations. Also include make, model and settings for 

drive components. Balancing devices shall be marked by the Balancer 

to indicate final settings. 

b) Specifications shall provide a minimum ½ day service from Balancing 

Contractor to demonstrate and reproduce measurements shown in 

balancing report. The system measurements will be selected by the 

Design Professional and/or Design Professional. 




C. Processing 

1. Three (3) Original Copies (Two (2) Architect, GCS) 

2. Signature of Principal (plus as many others for their firm as they would like) 

3. Signature Block for L. Reeves McGlohon, Superintendent 

4. Signature Block for Board Chairperson (Required for Personal Services 

Contracts) 

5. Signature Block for Mary Jo Lindquist, Finance Officer, with the following 

phrase printed above her signature: "This instrument has been preaudited in 

the manner required by the School Budget and Fiscal Control Act." 

6. After all signatures are obtained, mail contract to the entities noted above. 

7. Make one (1) copy of the GCS copy for Finance - Mary Jo Lindquist. 

8. File the Contract Control Sheet with the GCS Project Management copy of the 

contract. 

D. Instruments of Service 

1. GCS maintains ownership rights to all Instruments of Service. These 

instruments shall include the plans, specifications, addendums, electronic CAD 

files and physical or electronic documentation generated during the project. 

2. Upon request and without additional cost or fees, the design professional shall 

turn over any and all instruments of service to the owner within 7 calendar days 

of the request. The design professional shall not require any type of waiver or 

disclaimer as a condition of delivery of the requested instruments. 

3. Upon request and without additional costs or fees, the design professional shall 

make available to the contractor engaged on the project any electronic CAD 

files and PDF files of the plans and specifications within 7 calendar days of the 

request. The design professional shall not require any type of waiver or 

disclaimer as a condition of delivery of the requested instruments. 

4. Demolition sheets are not required in as-built drawings. 

III. Design Considerations 

A. School Building are considered Shelters – Category IV (NC State Building Code, 

Chapter 35) 

B. All New Construction / Renovation Plans, regardless of building location, i.e., in or 

out of Gastonia, MUST be sent to the County Fire Department. 

C. Site Investigation: The owner expects the Architect and the Engineer (all 

disciplines) to investigate the pre-existing conditions at the site to assure their full 

understanding of said conditions. Change orders shall not be tolerated that are caused 

by the professional’s failure to adequately investigate current conditions. Any 

statement which begins with, “I assumed there was space because the ….” Is the 

beginning point of an error in good judgment. If the Architect / Engineer requires a 

tradesman to remove panels, drop an access panel, etc., an accommodation will be 

made to provide same – contact the respective Project Manager. 




1. If during site investigation or any other time during design or project that a 

designer feels uncomfortable (i.e. removing electrical panel cover, Building 

Automation System, etc.) contact Facility Services to coordinate investigation. 

2. Designer must consider entire system during full design, investigating all 

related systems. 

3. Pressure Vessels require appropriate investigation and design, please contact 

Facility Services to coordinate investigation during design 

D. Scope of Services 

1. Design Team (Design Firm and GCS Administration) shall meet to define 

project scope prior to drawings being developed 

E. All new schools and major renovations shall be designed, constructed and 

commissioned in accordance with ASHRAE “Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 

School Buildings” – latest edition. 

F. All new schools and major renovations shall be designed, constructed and 

commissioned to meet or exceed DPI standards and requirements. 

IV. Architect Selection 

A. RFQ required for any Architect Fee that exceeds $30,000. 

1. For Fee anticipated between $30 K to $75 K, Advertise in Gazette only, and 

send invited list by email 

2. For Fee greater than $75 K, advertise in Charlotte Observer and Gazette. 

B. Contract Type: Fixed Fee / Stipulated Sum. 

C. Contract Terms: 

1. Scope of work defined 

2. Meet or below budget for defined scope 

3. Redesign at no additional cost if bid exceeds budget 

4. Design to be code compliant 

5. Document owner's approval when Schematic, Design Development and prior 

to bid advertisement completed. 

6. Percent of work performed for percent of payment (below table included in 

contract): 

Pre-design Phase 2.0% 

Schematic Design Phase 13.0% 

Completion of Design Development 20.0% 

Delivery of Work Drawings and Spec’s for Review 25.0% 

Approval of Final Drawings and Specifications 5.0% 

Upon Receipt of Bids 5.0% 

Construction Phase (Equal Payments 

for Construction Duration) 25.0% 

Submission of Record Drawings and Closing Papers 5.0% 

100.0% 




V. Project Management 

A. Preconstruction Meeting 

1. Fire Alarm, CCTV, CATV, Intrusion Alarm, Intercom, BAS, Data 

a) GCS to demonstrate 

b) GCS to print trouble history if panel allows 

c) Statement to contractor: System will be in same or better condition 

when project complete 

2. School Testing Calendar submitted to attendees 

3. Document existing conditions by photographs or videotape 

a) GCS to document, recommend contractors do the same 

b) Record below slab plumbing by videotape 

4. Asbestos and Lead Based Paint Awareness 

5. Inclusion of school administration staff 

B. Punch / and One (1) Year Warranty Walk 

1. Owner schedules at 10.5 months 

a) Leave enough time for contractor to repair items prior to warranty 

expiration 

2. Attendees: 

a) Project Manager 

b) Architect 

c) Architect Construction Administrator 

d) Contractor 

e) Facility Services Director (with a list of all Work Orders, Open and 

Closed, that have been received during the year addressing the new 

addition). 

(1) Consider including architect on related work orders 

f) The Assigned Tradesman for that school (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, 

Carpentry) 

g) School - Principal 

h) School - Assistant Principal 

i) School - Business Manager 

j) School - Chief Custodian 

k) Energy Manager 

3. Schedule 

a) 1, 2, 3 and 6 year walk intervals 

b) Time Statutes 

(1) Statute of Limitations 

(a) Within three (3) years of DISCOVERY 

(b) Floats within Statute of Repose 

(2) Statute of Repose 

(a) Limit of six (6) years from date of Substantial Completion 

c) Architect and engineer to walk at 1 and 2 year intervals 

d) Roofing Inspection at 10.5 months and 22 months 




VI. Environmental Regulations 

A. Asbestos 

1. Prior to construction, review AHERA plans with Asbestos Coordinator 

2. Determine if areas contain asbestos containing material and if construction will 

impact 

3. Determine whether Asbestos Abatement will require the use of Facility 

Services to abate or whether Abatement (Plan and Removal) will be 

contracted. 

4. Inform Contractors and their subcontractors of asbestos locations and have 

each sign the Asbestos Awareness Form, provided by Asbestos Coordinator. 

B. Lead Based Paint 

1. Contractors – Certified by the North Carolina Health and Human Services/ 

Division of Public Health 

2. New EPA Regulations have been issued to protect children by addressing lead 

-based paint hazards caused during renovation, repair and painting activities. 

Under the rule, beginning in 2010 firms and their contractors performing 

renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint and 

coatings in child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be certified, use 

trained workers and must follow specific work practices to prevent the lead 

hazards. Painted areas in building built before 1978 can be tested for lead 

paint or assumed that there is lead-based paint in the area. A child-occupied 

facility means a building, or portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, 

visited regularly by the same child, under 6 years of age on at least two 

different days within any week, provided that each day's visit lasts at least 3 

hours and the combined weekly visits last at least 6 hours. Child-occupied 

facilities may include, but are not limited to, day care centers, preschools and 

kindergarten classrooms. 

3. When contracted activities will be taking place in a facility that requires 

certification, a notification to the parents of children under six, a brief 

description of the work that will be accomplished, and a copy of the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development's handbook entitled "Renovate Right, Important Lead Hazard 

Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools will be provided. A 

copy of this pamphlet can be found at 

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/renovateright.pdf. The last page of this 

pamphlet is a Pre-Renovation Disclosure Form that must be signed by the 

parent or guardian of children under the age of six who occupy the facility 

where the renovation is to be performed. 

4. When renovation activities at any building constructed prior to 1978 Facility 

Services and all contractors will comply with the EPA Regulations governing 

renovation in building with lead paint. Renovation activities are defined as any 

activity which disturbs an area six feet square inside or twenty feet square 

outside of the building. Some examples of activities could be window 

replacement, painting, electrical work, plumbing or demolition of any part of a 

building. 




C. Mercury Containing Products 

1. Disposal of mercury containing products – i.e. fluorescent lights, thermostats 

must comply with most current Federal, State and Local codes/laws 

2. Prior to demolition of any building or structure, all fluorescent lights and 

mercury thermostats must be removed and disposed of properly. 

D. Arsenic Glass Beads 

1. The use of high content arsenic glass beads in paint used for pavement 

marking is prohibited. 

E. Emergency Generator 

1. New generator placement and start up requires General Air Permit (for 

emissions) from NCDENR and 

a) Check with local environmental / permitting agency for local permit 

DIVISION 2: SITE CONSTRUCTION 

A. Fencing 

1. Refer to GCS’ Fence Specifications 

2. Gates 

a) Minimum 4’ wide walk gate 

b) Minimum 14’ wide drive gate 

3. Between Building Fencing 

a) Black decorative Aluminum style 

b) Panic Device gate for fire egress 

c) Keyed exterior access 

B. Storm water 

1. Downspouts terminate ABOVE Catch Basin 

a) 24” concrete apron around each catch basin 

2. Twenty-four (24”) inch wide unobstructed, continuous concrete apron around 

building perimeter. 

3. No corrugated pipe 

C. Mower Storage Building 

1. Easy Set Precast Concrete Building 

2. 4” thick pre-cast concrete construction 

3. 20’ x 12’ x 8’ 

4. No power interior, provide exterior GFCI outlet 

5. 6 inch minimum crushed stone base 

6. Door: One (1) double leaf 8’0” x 6’8” x 1 3/4” Amweld Galvanized Supercore 

full flush, 18 Ga Door and 16 Ga Galvanized Inter-Lok Frame 

7. Finish: Easy Brick 

8. Manufacturer: Smith-Carolina Corporation 

2574 Hwy. 65 W 

Reidsville, NC 27320 

Phone: 336.349.2905 




9. Plan for security system 

a) Run conduit to building 

10. Shelving and wall racks are permitted 

11. Provide natural ventilation and daylighting if possible 

D. Landscaping 

1. Trees 

a) None within 40 feet of buildings (where possible) 

b) Use dwarf/low growth (security) planting 

c) Low maintenance plants 

d) Coordinate with utilities (underground and overhead) 

E. Appearance – No monuments or memorials 

F. No Gravel Drives, parking, walking paths, etc 

G. Property Entrances 

1. Separate drive for Privately Owned Vehicles 

2. Separate Bus/ Service Entrance 

H. Curb & Gutter 

1. At all medians 

2. At all parking islands 

3. Installed per Section 846 of NCDOT Stoneland Specifications 

I. Speed Bumps Dimensions 2’ width x 3” height 

J. Fire Lanes and Signage 

1. Follow NFPA Guidelines 

a) Provide signage: “Driver must remain with vehicle at all times” 

K. Canopies 

1. Roll-formed or Extruded Aluminum 

a) Type based on site 

b) Type based on funding 

2. Passenger car drop-off area 

3. Bus lot 

4. Between buildings 

5. Consider drainage 

6. No concrete canopies 

7. Coordinate lighting with manufacturer to avoid water, birds and vandalism 

L. Irrigation Wells 

1. Consider Irrigation Well(s) for Athletic Fields 

M. Manhole required where any new sanitary sewer plumbing ties into existing sewer (if 

feasible) 

N. Trace wire required for any non-conducting underground piping 




DIVISION 7: MOISTURE AND THERMAL PROTECTION 

I. Roof 

A. Acceptable Types 

1. Standard 4 Ply built-up 

2. Modified Bitumen with Cap Sheet 

3. Single-ply PVC for steep-sloped applications with décor ribs to simulate 

standing seam metal roofing 

B. No gravel Ballast to secure roof membrane 

C. 20 year No Dollar Limit (NDL) manufacturer warranty 

D. Two (2) year installer warranty 

E. Consultant activities (GCS retained – get name from owner) 

1. Plan and specification review (allow two (2) weeks) 

2. Review and approval of contractor submittals 

3. Pre-Roofing conference with contractor 

4. Installation monitoring 

5. Post installation inspection and approval 

F. Avoid Internal Roof Drains 

G. Add hose bib on roof if possible; consider insulated box design provided by GCS 

H. Interior roof access by ladder and roof hatch 

I. All roof levels accessible by roof ladders 

J. Please coordinate roof design with GCS Roofing Manager & Roof Engineering, Inc. 

K. Consider vibration isolation dampers for roof mounted equipment 

L. Roof insulation shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASHRAE 

“Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings” – latest edition. 

II. Walls 

A. Wall insulation shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASHRAE 


DIVISION 8: DOORS and WINDOWS 

A. Doors, locks and hardware 

1. Door closers – DC6200 Series by Corbin Russwin Preferred 

2. Exit devices – ED5200 Series by Corbin Russwin Preferred 

3. Locks and locksets – ML2000 Series by Corbin Russwin (No Substitutes)* 

4. Exterior doors 

a) Minimum 14 gauge with 22 gauge vertical steel stiffeners spaced 6 

inches on center max. and 1 lb density insulation 

b) Minimum 14 gauge frames 

c) With Panic Hardware: Grade 3, steel doors, extra heavy duty, minimum 

14 gauge with continuous barrel hinges. 

d) Without Panic Hardware: Grade 3, steel doors, extra heavy duty, 

minimum 14 gauge with heavy-weight ball bearing hinges. 

5. Interior flush wood doors – solid core, grade premium, construction 5 plies, no 

veneer preference; Standard weight ball bearing hinges 

a) Core: Standard Composite Lumber SCL - 5 




6. Keyless System: Trilogy PDL Series 

a) Single Door – Cylindrical based lock 

(1) PDL 3000 with Prox Card 

b) Panic Hardware 

(1) PDL 3500 (ETPDL) with Prox Card 

7. Knox Box to be installed at Primary Entrance 

a) Consider security system Knox Box monitoring 

B. Door insulation shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASHRAE 


C. Cylinders, Keys and Keying 

1. GCS Facility Services will supply all cylinders and keys to General Contractor. 

It will be the responsibility of the General Contractor to have cylinders installed 

per the Contract Documents. 

2. General Contractor / Architect shall furnish a copy of the approved Hardware 

Schedule as quickly as possible and any questions concerning GCS keying or 

hardware requirements can be directed to: 

Jack Harrelson 

GCS Facility Services 

941 Osceola Street 

Gastonia, NC 28054 

704.866.6159 phone 

704.861.2674 fax 

3. Note to Project Manager: $___/ lock to be set aside in each contract for 

cylinders and keys 

D. Windows 

1. Style – Horizontal Slide where fire egress required 

2. NO GLASS BLOCK 

3. No Screens except where required by Health Department 

4. With sprinkled building, consider non-operable windows for BAS and 

pressurization issues 

E. Glass – Insulated, low e 

1. Maximum Glass Sections 4’ x 4’ 

2. No glass within 18 inches of grade or walks 

3. Preferred Brand 

a) PPG 

4. U-Factor & Shading Coefficient 

a) Refer to ASHRAE “Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School 

Buildings” – latest edition 

5. Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) = 0.69 

6. Minimize use of fire rated glazing due to cost 

7. Exterior sun control – projection factor >0.5 




DIVISION 9: FINISHES 

A. General 

1. Attic Stock 

a) Items: VCT, ceramic tile, acoustical ceiling tile 

b) Items labeled by General Contractor 

c) Items to be stored at school 

d) Design for adequate custodial storage to house attic stock 

B. Acoustical Ceiling 

1. Grid 24” x 24” only 

2. Brands 

a) Armstrong World Industries, Inc 

b) Celotex Corporation 

c) United States Gypsum 

3. Use moisture resistant, scrubbable acoustical ceiling tile in kitchens 

C. Paint 

1. Interior room surface average reflectance shall be 70%+ on ceilings and walls 

above 7 ft. and 50%+ on walls below 7 ft., or per ASHRAE “Advanced Energy 

Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings” – latest edition. 

2. Surface Type 

a) Oil paint on metal surfaces 

b) Latex on all other surfaces 

c) Brands 

(1) Glidden / Devoe paint 

(2) Duron, Inc. 

(3) Sherwin Williams 

3. Colors – One (1) main color, one (1) accent color 

4. Alternate - Waterborne Epoxy for steel, aluminum, concrete, masonry, wood 

and wallboard 

a) Brands 

(1) Glidden Paints; Devoe Coatings 

(2) Pittsburgh Paint; PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG). 

(3) Sherwin Williams; Industrial and Marine Coatings (S-W). 

(4) Tnemec Company, Inc. (Tnemec). 

D. Resilient Wall Base 

1. Rubber wall base – product complies with FS SS-W-40 Type 1 

2. Inside and outside corners to be pre-manufactured formed products 

3. Colors 

a) Brown 

b) Gray 

c) Black 

4. Do not use in restrooms 




E. Flooring 

1. VCT 

a) Preferred Brand 

(1) Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 

(2) Non-asbestos formulated – color: no white to be used 

b) Colors – One (1) main color, maximum of two (2) accent colors 

c) Installation (contractor) 

(1) Vacuum floor prior to VCT install 

(2) Install 

(3) Clean excess glue (bleed through) from joints using cloth rag 

and mineral spirits 

(4) Follow steps below if contract includes waxing 

d) Maintenance (custodian) 

PRECAUTIONS: When cleaning floor, excess water can release 

the tile glue; use water sparingly 

(1) Damp (not wet) mop new VCT 

(2) Mop on one (1) medium thickness coat of sealer 

(3) Wait 4-5 days (if possible) 

(4) Buff in one (1) coat of wax using 300 rpm or less buffer with red 

pad 

(5) Wait approximately 6 hours for drying (if possible) – no more 

than three (3) applications within twenty-four (24) hours 

(6) Mop final coat of wax 

(7) Buff as needed to remove mop marks 

e) Stairs 

(1) No VCT on stair; to be stair treads, terrazzo or concrete 

2. Carpet 

a) Preferred Brands 

(1) Collins & Aikman (From NC State Contract – 360A) 

(2) Shaw (From NC State Contract – 360A) 

b) Colors 

(1) One (1) continuous carpet color pattern for the main field of 

room 

(2) One (1) accent color for borders in public rooms such as offices, 

conference room and media Center 

(3) No accent borders in classrooms 

c) Backing 

(1) All carpets to have moisture impervious backing 

(2) Seams to be sealed with manufacturer approved seam sealer 

d) Contractor Installation Procedure 

(1) Vacuum floor prior to install 

(2) Install 

(3) Pressure roll entire surface to ensure adhesion 

(4) Verify no glue/seam sealer bleed through at seams 




3. Terrazzo 

a) Epoxy terrazzo in high traffic areas (corridor, group toilets) 

(1) Bid epoxy terrazzo as alternate 

4. Troweled-on, Resin Epoxy for restroom, cafeteria dining area, kitchen, 

custodial closet 

F. Ceilings 

1. Moisture Resistant Gypsum Wall Board (MRGWB) ceilings in all bathrooms 

(staff included) 

2. Leave ceiling open in custodial closet 

3. Install access doors where required 

a) All Valves and junction boxes shall be located where accessible 

(domestic or HVAC) 

b) All damper locations 

c) All Clean Out Locations 

d) All duct smoke detector locations 

G. Walls 

1. 8’ above finished floor shall be high-impact/Abuse resistant wall board in high 

traffic areas 

2. Group restrooms shall be CMU, if possible 

DIVISION 10: SPECIALITIES 

A. Marker and Tack (Wall) Boards 

1. Location: Beside Smartboard 

2. Porcelain enamel marker boards, gloss finish 

3. Vinyl faced natural cork tack boards 

4. Architect to design teaching wall 

B. Accessories 

1. Toilet Partitions 

a) Color: Black 

b) Solid plastic with flame spread strip at bottom 

2. Paper Towel Dispenser 

a) Bobrick Model #B-263 Surface-mounted, single fold paper towels 

dispenser 

b) Locations: 

(1) Group Bathrooms 

(2) Staff Toilets 

(3) Classrooms 

3. Hand-dryer 

a) 120 V 208 Single Phase 

b) Manufacturer 

(1) Excel 

(2) Trident 

(3) World Dryer 

c) Wall surface to be washable 




4. Toilet Tissue Dispenser 

a) Bobrick Model #B-2892 Surface-mounted, jumbo-roll toilet tissue 

dispenser 

b) Locations: 



(3) Individual Toilets 

c) Handicap Toilets – Add a single roll standard dispenser in addition to 

large roll 

5. Soap Dispenser 

a) Bobrick Model #B-2112 Horizontal soap dispenser for liquid soap, 

surface-mounted 

b) Locations: 



(3) Individual Toilets 

(4) Classroom Lavatories 

6. Waste Receptacle 

a) Rubber trash can, swing top waste receptacle to include vinyl liner (13 

gallon) 

b) Locations: Single Bathrooms 

c) No waste receptacle in group toilets, leave space for rolling waste 

receptacle (55 gallon) 

d) Small waste receptacle in each girls bathroom stall for feminine napkin 

disposal 

7. Mop and Broom Holder 

a) Bobrick Model #224 x 36 utility shelf with mop and broom holder and rag 

hooks. Four (4) anti-slip mop holders 

b) Mount above mop sink in all custodial closets. 

DIVISION 12: FURNISHINGS 

A. Classroom Cabinets and General Casework (Except for Media Center and Science 

Casework) 

1. Casework Fabricators 

a) TMI Systems Inc. Dickinson, ND 

b) LSI Corporation, Minneapolis, MN 

c) Case Systems Inc. Midland, MI 

d) Stevens Industries Inc. Teutopolis, IL 

e) Leonard Peterson 

f) Pre-approved alternate fabricators 




2. Materials 

a) General: Provide materials that comply with requirements of the AWI 

quality standard for each type of woodwork and quality grade specified, 

unless otherwise indicated. 

b) Particleboard: ANSI A208.1 1999 Industrial Grade M2 

c) Countertops: 

(1) At sink: 1-inch moisture resistant particleboard. ANSI A208.1 

1999 Grade M3 

(2) Other locations: 1-inch particleboard. ANSI A208.1 1999 Grade 

M2 

d) Plastic Laminate: High Pressure Decorative Laminate: NEMA LD 3 

(1) Install at all visible exterior surfaces including bottom of wall 

cabinets. 

(2) Install on all interior surfaces of open cabinetry. 

(3) Thermoset Decorative Overlay: Over Particleboard for Semiexposed 

Surfaces Interior finish of cabinets to be thermally fused 

melamine impregnated decorative paper complying with LMA SAT- 

1 

e) Edging: PVC banding 

(1) 3 mm at drawer, shelves and door edges, front edges of 

cabinetry. 

f) Adjustable Shelving 

(1) 3/4-inch thick for up to 36-inch length. 

(2) 1-inch thick for over 36-inch length 

(3) 3 mm edging at all shelf edges so shelves can be flipped and 

reversed. 

3. Hardware and Accessories 

a) 5 knuckle hinges: satin stainless steel finish 

b) Wire Pulls: 4 inches long. 

c) Magnetic catches. 

d) Drawer slides: 

(1) side mounted, full extension, ball bearing 

(2) 100 lb capacity at box drawers 

(3) 200 lb capacity at file drawers 

(4) 45 lb capacity at pencil drawers 

e) Shelf Supports: Adjustable, polycarbonate, anti-tilt, twin pin locking shelf 

clip that accepts both 3/4 inch and 1 inch thick shelves. 




4. Installation 

a) General: Install woodwork to comply with AWI Section 1700. 

b) Anchor casework to wood blocking built in to stud walls or directly 

attached to CMU walls. 

c) Blocking locations to be coordinated between GC & casework 

manufacturer. 

d) No cabinet bottoms/shelves under sinks in cabinets 

e) Coordinate built-ins with other wall mounted accessories (BAS sensors, 

temperature sensors, lights) 

B. Lockers 

1. School / Corridor 

a) Consider if lockers are needed 

b) Consider double stack lockers 

c) No moving parts in latch 

d) Consider built-in locks 

e) Minimum dimensions: 15” wide x 15” deep 

2. Athletic 

a) Minimum dimensions: 18” wide x 18” deep x 60” height 

b) Fully ventilated 

3. Kitchen 

a) Provide lockers for kitchen staff 

C. Blinds 

1. Have contractor provide horizontal blinds at all windows in spaces needing light 

control 

2. Limit width to 48” 

3. Align with mullions 

4. No blinds on exit doors 

DIVISION 22: PLUMBING 

A. Manual Flush Valves 

1. Sloan 

2. Zurn 

B. 4” Center Set Faucets – single handle, ADA, Ceramic Cartridges, Metering. Must 

have back flow prevention. 

1. Delta 

2. Chicago 

3. T&S Brass 

C. Low flow urinals (1 Gallon) 

1. Manufacturers 

a) American Standard 

b) Kohler 

D. Mop Sinks 

1. Wall supported, mop bucket hook, hose 

2. Water resistant wall board or stainless steel surrounding sink 




E. Electric water coolers (Separate High/Low HC Accessible; no combo unit) 

1. Westinghouse 

2. Halsey Taylor 

3. Oasis 

F. Water Heaters 

1. If electric, 208/230 single phase only; 9 KW or greater requires 3 phase 

2. Tank style only; no quick recovery 

3. Preferred mount – floor level with floor drain; preferred in Mechanical Room 

4. Brand: AO Smith 

G. Valves 

1. Domestic hot water and cold water 

a) Ball valves, 2.5 inch and smaller 

(1) Class 125, 200 Water, Oil, Gas (WOG) cast bronze 

b) Ball valves, 3 inch and larger 

(1) Flanged steel ball valve, 150 lb 

2. Natural Gas 

a) Plug valves, 2.5 inch and smaller 

(1) 150 WOG bronze body, square head, threaded ends 

b) 2.5 inch and larger 

(1) 175 WOG lubricated plug type, semi steel body, flanged ends 

(2) To be applied outside building and in boiler rooms 

3. Swing check valves 

a) 2 inch and smaller 

(1) Class 125 cast bronze, threaded ends 

b) 2.5 inch and larger 

(1) Class 125, cast iron body, flanged ends 

H. Piping 

1. Above ground piping: Type “L” copper with lead free soldered joints (95/5 

solder) 

2. Underground piping: Type “K” copper with silver soldered joints 

3. All water piping (HW and CW) shall be insulated with minimum 1” insulation 

4. All water piping shall be tested at 100 psig for 2 hours 

5. All waste and vent piping shall be tested at 10’ for 2 hours 

6. All piping shall have labels and directional flow arrow labels placed every 40 

feet or once in every room 

7. Underground plastic pipe shall be marked with multi-ply tape and tracer wire at 

least 18 inches above pipe 

8. When tying in to sewer main, contractor shall perform a diagnostic video on all 

4 inch and larger lines to point of connection before putting into service. GCS 

shall be present during video recording. Contractor shall provide GCS with 

DVD of video 

I. Equipment labeling 

1. Provide plastic laminated signs on all equipment 

2. Include equipment identification, contractor installing (company name and 

phone number), capacity, substantial completion date and warranty information 




J. Design Standards 

1. Verify existing conditions for Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) installation 

requirements 

2. Upgrade existing utility service (electric, water, gas (excluding kitchen); do not 

add meters; single site service preferred, if economically feasible. 

3. One (1) key operated Hose Bib, under lavatory in toilet rooms containing a floor 

drain 

4. Floor drain in student one-holers 

5. No trap primers 

6. One Cut Off (hallway ceiling) per group bath 

7. One Freeze Proof, Key Operated, recessed, outside hose bib per long building 

side (window cleaning, pressure washing) approximately every 100 feet at 18” 

above grade 

8. For major outdoor equipment yards, provide freeze-proof hose bibs 

9. No internal roof drains 

10. Lavatory in classrooms for 

a) Pre-k to 5 th Grade (Elementary) 

b) Elkay Hand Wash-up Sink, Type 304; model CH51716C (w/ gooseneck 

spout faucet) 

11. Hot Water to 

a) Staff toilets 

b) Teachers workroom 

c) Custodial closet 

d) Place tank on mechanical room floor 

e) All Pre-K hand sinks at 80 degrees F to 109 degrees F 

f) Nearest toilets to Cafeteria 

g) Teacher science table 

h) Science prep rooms 

12. Cast iron fixtures only (no china lavatory fixtures) 

13. Ice maker water connector box to Resource/Teacher workrooms 

14. Sewer Piping 

a) Single-story buildings: PVC piping 

b) Multi-story buildings: Cast iron piping 

15. No PVC valves 

16. Exterior grease traps for Kitchen 

a) Must be accessible by pump truck 

b) Precast concrete construction 

17. No off-set flanges 

18. No wall mounted toilets 

19. Manhole required where any new sanitary sewer plumbing ties into existing 

sewer (if feasible) 

20. Trace wire required for any non-conducting underground piping 




DIVISION 23: HEATING VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING 

A. Chillers 

1. Brands – no substitutes 

a) Carrier 

b) Trane 

c) York 

d) Lennox 

e) McQuay 

2. Generally use air cooled screw chillers less than 300 tons. Design to include 2 

chillers sized for 50% of load with minimum ΔT of 12 degrees. Verify selection 

and application on case by case basis with GCS. Provide 5 year compressor 

warrantee. Heat trace chiller and exterior CHW piping. Piping is to be 

arranged to allow installation of a portable chiller if necessary. Provide chiller 

interface to connect to school EMS. Provide auto reset/restart after voltage 

change, low pressure control, high pressure control, low ambient pressure 

control, crankcase heater, louvered coil guard, isolation pads. Chiller pad to be 

concrete and arranged for easy access with 8’ fence with minimum 60” 

extension around chiller. Chillers to sit on two 24”x24” rails the length of the 

chiller with rebar reinforcing. 

3. Locate using sound production as a major siting factor with max 60 dba at 

property boundary. Attenuate as necessary to shield Chiller Noise from 

classrooms and neighbors 

4. Chillers to sit on two 24”x24” rails the length of the chiller with rebar reinforcing. 

for ease of cleaning under chiller with hose. Install 4” concrete pad inside 

cooling tower and chiller fence. Fence shall be minimum of eight (8’) feet in 

height 

B. Boilers 

1. Generally, install 2 boilers each sized at 100% of full heat load. Boilers shall 

be cast iron equal to Weil McLain Series 88. Burner shall be Powerflame or 

approved equal. Verify manufacturers with GCS before design. Boiler and 

burners shall have standard manufacturer’s options plus low water cutout, 

gauge glass, dial thermometer, inlet basket strainer, discharge pressure gauge. 

Gas train shall be IRI with controls and shall have pressure gage reading PSI 

before main pressure regulator and pressure gage reading Inches W.C. after 

main pressure gage. Gas pressure gages shall be 3” diameter with isolation 

valve. Contractor shall install a Honeywell RM7800 series microprocessor 

based flame safeguard controller and provide one portable S7800A keyboard 

display module – or equal. 

C. Pumps 

1. Base mounted pumps brands: 

a) B & G series 1510 

b) Taco 

c) Armstrong 

2. Where vibration isolation is required, use spring isolators at base and American 

Boa flex connections on piping. All pumps shall have mechanical seals. In-line 




pumps shall be Taco or B&G series 60, 80 or 90. Pumps used on primary 

chilled water in buildings near the chilled water plant must have a pressure 

rating of 250#. 

D. Piping 

1. Test new hydronic systems or modified sections of existing systems with water 

at 1.5 x design operating pressure for 1 hr. 

2. 

System Piping Material Fitting Material 

Hot Water Heating 

& Secondary 

Chilled Water 

Systems 

2” and smaller 

Hot Water Heating 

& Secondary 

Chilled Water 

Systems 

2-1/2” and larger 

Primary Chilled 

Water 

2” and smaller 

Primary Chilled 

Water 

2-1/2” and larger 

Type L Copper Sch. 

80 Steel 

Wrought copper with 

95-5 solder 125# Cast 

iron threaded 

Schedule 40 Steel Standard Weight 

Butt welded steel 

Type L Copper 

(preferred) Sch. 80 

Steel 

AC Condensate Type L Copper or 

PVC Schedule 40 

Wrought copper with 

95-5 solder 

250# Malleable iron 

threaded 

butt welded 

Schedule 40 Steel Standard Weight 

E. Valves 

1. 

System Pipe Sizes 2” and 

Primary Chilled Water, 

Heating Hot Water, 

Secondary Chilled 

Water 

Smaller 

Conventional port Ball 

valve 

Apollo 70-100/200 

series or equal 

2. On-Off control for DTW or CHW valves. 

Copper or Solvent 

weld PVC 

Pipe Sizes 2-1/2” and 

Larger 

Jamesbury butterfly 

(815L-11-22 HBMT or 

815L-11-2236XZ) Apollo 

88A-100 Series or equal 




F. Air Handling Units (AHU’s) 

1. Air handling units shall be AHRI certified, factory-fabricated, and the standard 

product of one manufacturer. All air-handling units shall be constructed in 

modular, vertical or horizontal, and draw-through configuration. Use of blowthrough 

air-handling units is not permitted, as fully saturated air leaving the 

cooling coil causes damage to the downstream filters and sound attenuators. 

Verify with GCS the requirements for dehumidification. In general install 

enthalpy economizer, 6 row cooling coils, double wall heavy gage construction 

with no exposed insulation, belt drive with cog belts, metal handle hinged 

doors, extra sets of belts and filters. 

2. Air Handler Heater coils to be 480v, three (3) phase (if available). 

G. Fan Coils (FC’s) and Unit Ventilators (UV’s) 

1. FC’s and UV’s for use in occupied spaces shall be selected at low speed, or 

medium speed if extra capacity is needed. To minimize noise, units should be 

ducted and installed behind an acoustic barrier such as lay-in ceilings or 

cabinetry. During layout & design, carefully consider accessibility of 

components requiring maintenance. Coordinate location with other trades and 

expected furniture placement. Controls components, including speed switches 

shall be provided by the controls contractor. Provide extended drain pan and / 

or cabinet as needed to permit adequate room for valves and insulation. 

Exposed ceiling hung units shall be supplied with double deflection grilles. UV’s 

shall be supplied with face and bypass dampers. Diffuser shall be fabricated of 

steel and shall have off-white baked enamel factory painted finish. Provide 

diffusers with inverted T-bar type frame. In gypsum board ceilings, provide 

ceiling frame. All diffusers in the kitchen area shall be perforated, and 

aluminum type to prevent corrosion. Diffusers faces shall have off-white baked 

enamel factory painted finish. 

2. Unit Ventilators shall not be greater than 208/230v, single phase. 

3. Avoid outside air through Unit Ventilators 

H. Roof Top Units (RTU’s) 

1. Rooftop air-handling unit installation, where permitted, shall address and 

resolve coordination issues, including but not limited to: 

a) Structural integrity of the roof to bear the load 

b) Access for repairs, removal, and replacement of equipment 

c) Screening needs to meet local ordinances 

d) Walking pads to reach equipment 

e) Minimize exposed piping and ducts on the roof and install underneath 

the unit wherever possible. 

f) Noise and vibration under units 

I. Variable Air Volume (VAV) 

1. VAV boxes to be Nailor or equal. Provide factory installed access door to 

inspect reheat coil and damper operation. Install VAV boxes such that all 

control components and valves have adequate access. 




J. Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s) 

1. VFDs should be utilized for energy savings or system control requirements. All 

VFDs should have integral MCP disconnects, door-mounted keypad, 

HOA/bypass selector switches, and direct communications interface to building 

EMS. Line and output reactors should be used per manufacturer 

recommendations. 

K. Ductwork 

1. Ductwork shall be constructed per latest version of applicable SMACNA duct 

design guidelines. All ductwork shall be seal class A. For work in occupied 

buildings, field applied sealants must be free of noxious fumes (water based). 

Design Drawings must indicate duct pressure classifications and leakage class. 

Galvanized duct thickness shall be as prescribed by SMACNA, except 24 gage 

shall be the minimum thickness permitted. For moisture laden air (laundry, 

shower, etc. exhaust) use aluminum grills and registers, aluminum or stainless 

steel duct, pitched to drain condensate. For dishwasher exhaust use stainless 

steel 

2. Designer shall coordinate to insure that there is sufficient access around piping 

and ductwork in the field to install and seal joints on insulation system. It is 

crucial that systems operating at temperatures below ambient dewpoint have 

continuous unbroken vapor barriers. 

3. Exposed ductwork in mechanical spaces or other areas of heavy traffic, shall 

be insulated using fiberglass board with minimum 4.2#/c.f. density and foil 

facing. Joints shall be taped with foil tape. Secure board with field glued pins 

and speed washers. Pins to be clipped flush after washer installation. Where 

ductwork is concealed and protected from damage use duct wrap blanket 

secured with pins and washers. 

4. No Lined Duct Work Permitted. 

5. Duct sox can be used where appropriate. 

L. Air Distribution 

1. Diffusers shall be square, louver face, adjustable pattern, multicore type to 

discharge air in 360 degrees pattern. Diffusers shall be steel off-white baked 

enamel factory finish except kitchen area shall be aluminum/perforated 

coordinated not to interfere with hood airflow. 

M. Filters 

1. Standard Size must be specified – No odd sizes 

2. Prefer filter changed in closet– Prefer access from corridor rather than 

classroom (may be difficult to apply to renovation) 

3. Access to filter required 

N. Exhaust Fans (T-Stat) 

1. Exhaust fan locations 

a) Toilets 

b) Workroom (will identify on a project basis) 

c) Custodial closets 

d) Electrical & Server room (T’Stat) 

e) Undercut door for supply (Do Not Compromise Fire Rating) 




2. Need to make it easy to check for Exhaust Fan operation Filter Changer 

checks three (3) times/year 

3. Exhaust fans to be controlled by BAS, excluding server rooms 

4. Single restroom exhaust fans controlled by light switch 

O. DX Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning Units 

1. Computer labs and data closets shall be operating on separate DX ductless 

mini-split air conditioning system, and shall have sufficient airflow to keep the 

room below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Estimated load is 12,000 BTUH. 

P. Chemical Feed 

1. Install five (5) gallon chemical feed pot for each hydraulic system 

Q. Controls – Facility Controls and BAS 

1. Energy Management Bid as Alternate 

a) Brands (Controls) 

(1) Trane 

(2) Alerton (Native BACnet/IP) 

(3) Honeywell 

(4) Invensys 

b) No 3 rd Party Controllers on Roof Top Unit’s, Air Handling Unit’s; No 

pump packages; Boiler and Chiller to be provided with BACnet/IP or 

LON Communications 

c) Features 

(1) Must comply with current GCS BAS Standards and include 

upgrades to latest AX BAJA Version 

(2) Want ability to set limits from control system; monitor & control; 

global, zone, and individual; trend, diagnose, and compare energy 

usage/ operational times/ “exception scheduling”; archive, backup, 

and retrieve data for 3-year periods; control and monitor space 

temp, supply temp return air temp, outside air temp, mixed air 

temp, energy wheel contribution temp, relative humidity 

(OA/ST/SA/RA), enthalpy, carbon dioxide, et al. 

(3) Operating Parameters (pending) – contact GCS Energy 

Manager 

d) Training Included: 

(1) Forty (40) hours in four (4) hour blocks 

(a) Hours and blocks to be determined by GCS on individual 

project basis 

(2) Unlimited Attendance 

(3) Owner may choose to videotape training. 

2. Non-BAS Controls Used 

a) Thermostats 

(1) Programmable – BACNET or LON programmable features 

(2) Battery Back up 

(3) Place on return air grill wall 

(4) For standalone T’Stats, want physical stops 




3. Mechanical Room Lead/Lag Sequencing of Boilers, Chillers, Primary and 

Secondary Pumps 

a) General: Lead/Lag based on hours of run time and after the system has 

been in occupied mode for an hour; not a calendar # of days such as 

alternating weeks 

b) Pumps 

(1) Lead/Lag Primary and Secondary Pumps for energy efficiency, 

longer life, and less downtime should “Lead” equipment fail 

c) Boilers 

(1) Hot Water 

(a) Lead/Lag two or more 

(2) Steam Boilers 

(a) DO NOT Lead/Lag 

(b) Once operational, best to keep them in “stand-by” mode 

for optimal maintenance of essential elements 

d) Chillers 

(1) A single chiller with two or more circuits; allow on-board 

controllers to control Lead/Lag of the circuits and staging of the 

loading and unloading of each circuit based upon demand. 

(2) Two or more chillers (i.e. Ashbrook, the New High School, … 

typically larger high schools) need to be separately integrated with 

the BAS controllers for Lead/Lag operation. 

e) BAS Points 

(1) Site Global Controller Command Status 

(2) Equipment Controller Command Status 

(3) Equipment Actual Operational Status 

(4) Switch to “Lag” from “Lead” after an adjustable time period 

when “Lead” is in “Alarm” 

(a) If Boiler Shuts Down, fails-to-fire, or Hot Water Supply 

set-point is not attained, such as fails to increase the 

temperature 20 deg F in 30 minutes 

(b) If Chiller is off line, locks-out, or Cold Water Supply setpoint 

is not attained, such as fails to drop the temperature 5 

deg F in 30 minutes 

(c) If primary-loop pump(s) are commanded “on” and status 

from Current Transformer (CT) is “off”, or if CT “reads” a 

lower than typical range of current draw (Amp Load) which 

would create an alarm, could be an indication of a sheared 

coupling 

(d) If VFD’s, bring only one on as “Lead”; no need to bring 

two on. 

(5) Shut off pumps if no demand 




4. Remote Diagnostic Availability 

a) Boiler Burner Control Data 

(1) Honeywell Burner Controls have BACnet communications 

modules (not translators) which enable pulling-up of critical boiler 

operational data points for viewing from the BAS graphical user 

interface (frontend). 

(2) BACnet/MSTP, BACnet/Ethernet or IP, or LON is acceptable 

(dependent on the communications protocol to be used on the site 

BAS). 

(3) "Translators" and "Modbus protocol" for remote monitoring via 

the BAS are not acceptable. 

5. BAS MSTP Control Wiring 

a) Optically Isolated Communications Ports, BACnet/MSTP 

b) Surge Suppression on MSTP Communications control wiring trunk 

when: 

(1) Cable runs between buildings 

(2) Cable runs underground 

(3) Cable runs in conduit above ground over canopy or roof 

R. Controls Integrator 

a) Brands (Systems Automation Integration) 

(1) Hoffman Building Technologies (Tridium Niagara AX) 

(2) United Automation (Tridium Niagara AX) 

(3) Platinum Building Automation 

(4) Schneider Electric (Tridium Niagara AX) 

S. Equipment labeling 

1. Provide plastic laminated signs on all equipment 

2. Include equipment identification, contractor installing (company name and 

phone number), capacity, substantial completion date and warranty information 

3. For all ductwork and piping, provide identification and directional flow arrows at 

intervals not greater than 20 ft. Ductwork ID should be stenciled showing 

system number. Piping ID should be adhesive film type with full circumference 

flow arrows. 

4. Major valves and scheduled equipment shall have permanent stamped metallic 

or phenolic ID plates which must be easily visible after installation is complete 

T. Kitchen Hoods 

1. Brands 

a) Greenheck 

b) Captive-Aire 

c) Aerolater 

2. Kitchen exhaust and make-up hood design shall comply with all the 

requirements of sections 507 and 508 of the North Carolina Mechanical Code. 

Makeup air will be tempered to 55 degrees if the incoming air is less than that 

temperature. Hood shall feature exposed surface 304 stainless steel, stainless 

steel UL baffle filters, integral insulated supply air plenum with combination UL 

listed fire/volume dampers, vapor proof UL listed light fixtures, stainless steel 

closure panels between hood and ceiling, integral grease gutters sloped to 




drain to grease receptacles, and a properly sized fire protection system to be 

provided to the hood supplier for installation, which shall meet UL 300 

standards. Include a solenoid activated mechanical gas valve shutoff and micro 

switch for shutdown of electric equipment. Micro switch shall be double pole 

and double throw 

U. Design Standards 

1. All new schools and major renovations shall be designed, constructed and 

commissioned in accordance with ASHRAE “Advanced Energy Design Guide 

for K-12 School Buildings” – latest edition 

2. No common condensate lines (separate lines required) 

a) School has had problems with one unit back feeding into another and 

whole wings being shut down. Would consider common system if 

accessible and if compelling reason 

b) Never configure condensate system so that it is relief vent for storm 

drain system 

c) No french drains 

d) No direct connections to sanitary drains 

e) Avoid condensate drain pumps 

3. Condensate drains must have air gap 

4. All Outside Equipment fenced and gated 

5. Outside equipment placed on concrete, poured-in-place pad with walk space 

360°. All area inside fencing to be concrete. Slab to be poured two feet (2’) 

beyond fencing. Concrete pad to completely fill enclosure – No Gravel, grass, 

stone, asphalt 

a) Any compressor 3 tons or greater to be three (3) phase, due to part 

availability. 

b) Any compressor less than 3 tons must be 208/230 V, single phase with 

minimal operating voltage of 187 Volts where practical 

6. For major outdoor equipment yards provide hose bibs – freeze proof 

7. 277v/1 Phase motors undesirable 

8. For Building Additions, discuss options 

a) Split System with “Furnace” room 

b) Exterior package unit 

c) Fresh air make-up system 

9. Consider Geo-Thermal HVAC Systems 

10. Package Units only accepted with pre-approved control vendors' controllers, 

regardless of the project's BAS scope – complete, partial, or not included. 

Onboard manufacturer controls, third party controllers, integrators, translators, 

or non-approved 3 rd party programming software are NOT permitted under any 

circumstances; no exceptions. 




a) When BAS integration is in the project scope, controllers will be located 

above the removable ceiling tile in the vicinity over the stainless steel 

wall-plate sensor(s). 

b) Should the Package Units not be integrated into the BAS in this project 

scope, then each unit shall have its own programmable wall mounted 

controller with sensor(s) and be BACnet or Echelon ready for future 

integration into the existing BAS. 

11. Media Center (library) 

a) Humidity control is required. 

b) Reheat (hot gas reheat or electric duct heat) is acceptable 

12. Fresh Air Indoor Air Quality Methods 

a) Zone Fresh Air will be provided by Dedicated Outside Air (DOA) Units, 

Energy Recovery Units (ERU) and/or Preconditioned Units (PCU). 

b) Individual Room Units’ are for the purpose of circulating air (No Outside 

Air Dampers (OAD) or Economizers; the exception: OAD and 

Economizers are controlled by the BAS Integrators pre-approved 

controllers, integrated into the GCS energy management BAS, have 

CO2, temperature, and relative humidity sensors per room unit with BAS 

Control to schedule both OAD and economizers ). 




DIVISON 26: ELECTRICAL 

A. Electrical Gear 

1. Preferred Brands 

a) Square D* 

b) Eaton 

c) GE 

d) Siemens 

2. Specify Arc Flash Hazard, Coordination Study and Labeling for all new 

electrical panel boards and switchboards 

B. Upgrade existing utility services (electric, water, gas (excluding kitchen); do not add 

meters; single site service preferred, if economically feasible; consider future expansion 

(Plan for Ease-of-Expansion with alternative layout locations for future added classroom 

additions. Preference is for existing metering to be monitored for real-time retrieval and 

archiving of kW peak demand and kWH use; same for new metering should it be 

required if economically not feasible to do so without.) 

1. Data Pulse-type Meter (Duke Energy Spec) 

C. Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) 

1. Preferred brands 

a) DITEK 

b) Liebert 

c) LEA International 

d) Current Tech 

e) Square D 

f) Eaton 

g) GE 

h) Siemens 

2. Surge suppression devices shall be designed into electrical and low voltage 

devices 

3. Specify or provide surge suppression on all panel boards feeding roof mounted 

or exterior equipment 

D. Lighting Fixtures 

1. Lamp specifications: 

a) No U shape lamps; Standard Bulbs Only. T8 bulbs 

b) Minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80 

c) Color Temperature (CCT) 4100 Deg. Kelvin 

d) Mean lamp lumens (at 40% of rated life) at least 94% of initial lumens 

e) 36,000 hour @ 3hrs/start to 42,000 hour @ 12 hrs/start 

f) Low Mercury content 

2. Fixture specifications: 

a) 2’X4’ fixtures, recessed parabolic, 3” deep min., 70% min. efficiency 

b) Direct/Indirect Pendant baffled, 80% min. efficiency 

c) Surface mounted Baffled, Wide Distribution, 64% min. efficiency 

3. Ballast specifications: 

a) High-frequency electronic ballasts using instant start or program rapid 

start circuitry 




b) NO Master-slave wiring arrangements 

c) Harmonic distortion shall not exceed 20% 

d) Ballast factor minimum 0.88 for T8 

e) Include built-in disconnect means per NEC 410.130.G 

f) Five (5) year warranty 

4. Brands: 

a) Lighting Manufacturers: 

(1) Cooper Lighting 

(2) Lithonia 

(3) Daybrite 

(4) Southeast 

(5) Hubbel 

b) Ballast Manufacturers: 

(1) Philips Advance 

(2) American Ballast 

(3) Osram Sylvania 

(4) General Electric Company 

c) Bulb Manufacturers: 

(1) GE 

(2) Philips 

(3) Sylvania 

5. Fixture Type Examples 

a) Examples of fixtures meeting specifications, but not limited to any 

specific manufacturer: 

(1) LAY-IN: 

(a) Two-Lamp Recessed Parabolic 2’X 4’, Lamps 2-28W T8 

– White baked enamel reflector (minimum 90% reflectance) 

and minimum 3” deep parabolic louvers. 12 cells. Semispecular/Low 

iridescent louver finish, Multi-lamp ballasts. 

76% min. fixture efficiency. Nominal 52 watts per 2 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Day-Brite Lighting, 3” Paralouver 

(b) Three-Lamp Recessed Parabolic 2’X 4’, Lamps 3-28W T8 


and minimum 3” deep parabolic louvers. 18 cells. Premium 

semi-specular/Low iridescent louver finish, Multi-lamp 

ballasts. 73% min. fixture efficiency. Nominal 78 watts per 3 

lamps. 


(c) Four-Lamp Recessed Parabolic 2’X 4’, Lamps 4-28W T8 


and minimum 3” deep parabolic louvers. 24 cells. Premium 

semi-specular/Low iridescent louver finish, Multi-lamp 

ballasts. 76% min. fixture efficiency. Nominal 98 watts per 4 

lamps. 


(d) Three-lamp Recessed Direct/Indirect 2’X 4’, Lamps 3-28 

T-8 - 95% reflective white paint finish and specular interior 




reflector, one piece white opal acrylic diffuser. Multi-lamp 

ballasts. 80% min. efficiency. Nominal 78 watts per 3 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Day-Brite, Arioso Acrylic 

(2) PENDANT: 

(a) Pendant Direct/Indirect Baffled, Lamps 2-28W T8 

fluorescent - Fixture efficiency shall be 80% minimum. 

Nominal 52 watts per 2 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Cooper Lighting, Corelite Stellar 9” 

suspended 

(b) Pendant Direct/Indirect Three Lamp, Lamps 3-28w T8 

fluorescent, 2 lamps up/1 lamp down. Semi–specular lowirredescent 

parabolic cross baffles, minimum 1 3/4” deep and 

3” on center, Lamp shield for center lamp. Multi-lamp 

ballasts. 84% min. efficiency. Nominal 78 watts per 3 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Cooper Lighting, Corelite Class A 

Perf/DI 

(c) Pendant Indirect – Perforated Sides, 2-28W T8 

fluorescent, 85% indirect component with perforated sides. 

Wire for separate row switching, multi-lamp ballasts. 78% 

min. fixture efficiency Nominal 52 watts per 2 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Cooper Lighting, Corelite Class A 

Perf 

(3) SURFACE MOUNTED: 

(a) Surface Mounted Baffled/Wide Distribution, Lamps 2- 

28W T8 fluorescent – Fixture efficiency shall be 64% 

minimum. Nominal 52 watts per 2 lamps. 

(i) Example fixture: Cooper Lighting, Corelite Stellar 9” 

surface Full Direct 

6. Recessed (Can lights) 

a) 26 Watt, 4-pin, compact fluorescent lamp 

b) Brands 

(1) Juno Lighting 

(2) Capri Lighting 

(3) Lithonia 

7. Classroom Diffusers – Provide low-glare indirect/direct pendants for ceilings 

9.5ft or more with bottom of fixture at no less than 8ft. For ceiling heights of 8ft. 

or less, use recessed parabolic with minimum three (3”) deep louvers (to 

reduce computer screen glare) or surface mounted fixtures. 

8. Classroom switching – Provide separate switch on light or row of lights closest 

to whiteboard. The remaining classroom fixtures shall incorporate bi -level or 

multi-level switching (minimum 2 switches) which will manually switch lighting 

levels down 30%-50%. Separate row switching shall be accomplished in a 

uniform pattern throughout space; i.e. alternate rows with one (or two) lamps in 

each fixture in the row on separate switch. 

9. Discuss use of occupancy sensors, infrared, motion sensors for purpose of 

energy conservation – classrooms, classroom corridor entrance, restrooms; if 

sensors used, set timer to turn lights off after 15 minutes unoccupied 




10. Discuss use of motion sensors tied in to security system for illumination during 

alarms 

11. For gyms and multipurpose rooms (high ceilings), use only tubular fluorescent 

lamps. T-5 HO (High Output) or T-8 tubes on ballasts with ballast factor higher 

than 1, in specifically designed fixtures capable to withstand ball impact 

12. No master/slave lights or Sport Lite, Inc. BXL5-B55-BXPF 

13. T-5 HO 

a) Ballast Brands 

(1) Advance 

(2) GE 

(3) Universal 

b) Bulb Brands 

(1) GE 

(2) Phillips 

(3) Sylvania 

14. Consider use of BAS 

15. Consider day lighting - Coordination of “Day-lighting design”… with 

“North/South-to-East/West” optimized building orientation and “room-purpose 

positioning”, so as to avoid… 

a) “redundancy” in “free natural lighting” and “energy consumption lighting” 

(i.e., lighted atriums), 

b) excessive “night lighting pollution” beyond necessary safety/security 

needs, and 

c) negating natural daylighting with “high-positioned” windows requiring 

inaccessible (therefore always closed) blinds to avoid glare for LCD 

presentations. 

E. Exterior Lighting 

1. Pole Mounted 

a) 1500 watt or less Metal Halide 

b) Typical 250 W reflected down or 400 W flood maximum 

c) Poles mounted on raised concrete base 

d) Minimum 30 inch raised concrete base in parking area 

e) Minimum 12 inch raised concrete base in non-parking area 

2. Wall Packs 

a) 250 to 400 Watt Metal Halide 

b) Option: CFL dual 80 W – Bulb units 

3. Surface Mount (i.e. under canopy, awning – not area lighting) 

a) Lamp: 2 Lamp, 26 Watt, Compact Fluorescent 

b) Manufacturers 

(1) Lithonia 

(2) RAB Lighting 

(3) Daybrite 

4. Consider using LED or induction-fluorescent fixtures for exterior lighting 

5. General Exterior Brands 

a) Lithonia 

b) General Electric 

c) Hubbell 




6. Contactor Brands 

a) GE 

b) Square D 

7. No lease relationship with Electrical Utility Service 

8. Use electronic timer that supports automatic astronomical changing feature 

with battery back-up; no photo electric eye (if BAS not on campus), except as 

required by code for emergency lighting 

a) Alternative BAS RIB-control of the lighting contactor(s) by the BAS 

“Exterior Parking Lot and Wall Pack – Grounds/Building Lighting 

Schedule”. 

9. Replace leased lights with owner lights and service 

F. Switches / Receptacles 

1. Manufacturers 

a) Levington 

b) General Electric 

c) Hubbel 

2. Consider BAS RIB-control of contactor switching of classroom lighting by 

separate BAS Schedules for same. 

3. No case-molded back plug receptacles 

G. Clocks 

1. Clocks by Owner 

a) Battery operated with GCS logo 

H. Exit Signs 

1. NO Tritium Gas, or other radioactive products, allowed in exit signs 

2. Brand: Brady Glow 15-Year rating (bid as alternate, if no other brands 

available) 

3. Lithonia (all powered units) – High impact with LED 

4. Note Emergency light requirement for illumination of Brady Glow fixtures 

5. Red letters on white background 

I. Miscellaneous 

1. Smart Board Requirements 

a) SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system (with projector arm) 

b) One (1) single gang box 

(1) Below front classroom whiteboard 

(2) Stub to above ceiling 

c) No Smart Boards under Unit Ventilators 

2. Ice Makers (if refrigerator is provided) 

a) Ice maker connector box in Resource Room/ Teacher Workroom 

J. Conduit 

1. Steel compression couplings and connectors will be used in every location. 

Die cast or stamped fittings are unacceptable. 

2. The use of Minneralac straps (Stand off) cannot be used below eight feet 

above finished floor (AFF). A smooth one hole strap should be used and 

appropriate conduit offsets should be used. 

3. Conduit will be run level, parallel and perpendicular to the structure and 

“bowing” of pipe is not allowed. 




K. Surface Raceway 

1. Surface Mounted Conduit (Panduit T-70 – only approved multi-outlet assembly 

or surface raceway to be installed) 

L. Emergency Lighting 

1. By generator with transfer device; no battery back-up required 

2. Provide emergency lighting to group restrooms, fire alarm panel, main 

administration office, intercom, telephone, switch gear room 

M. Automated Lighting and Plug-Load Scheduling Control 

1. When a BAS (Tridium Niagara AX) is included in the scope of the construction 

project, isolate electrical panels for HVAC, Lighting (Exterior, Interior, Security) 

and utilize “lighting/electrical-load circuit contactors” controlled by BAS individual 

schedules for “Occupied & Unoccupied” modes. 

N. Design Standards 

1. All new schools and major renovations shall be designed, constructed and 

commissioned in accordance with ASHRAE “Advanced Energy Design Guide 

for K-12 School Buildings” – latest edition 

2. All compact fluorescent lights are to incorporate the same lamps 

3. Underground electrical service 

4. Owner owned utilities – No leases 

5. Interbuilding connectivity 

a) Plan adequate conduit runs, sized appropriate, but not less that 1” 

b) Systems: Electrical, Phone, Security, CCTV, Data, CATV, BAS 

6. Data Room 

a) Data racks (low voltage) to be located in standalone data room 

b) Facility Control and BAS “IP Addressed Supervisory Control” module for 

building to be located in the data room 

c) All low voltage to terminate in low voltage room 

7. Coordinate exterior lighting with security camera use/location 

O. Low Voltage Wire Color 

System Wire Color 

1. Data Cat 6 Blue 

2. Wireless Yellow 

3. Phone White 

4. Fire Alarm Red 

5. Intrusion Gray 

6. CCTV Green 




DIVISION 27 COMMUNICATIONS 

A. Data Room 

1. Separate Data Room constructed of adequate size to house all low voltage 

utilities, including BAS 

2. Climate Controlled 

B. Intercoms 

1. Brand 

a) Rauland 

b) Dukane 

c) Bogen 

2. Microprocessor intercom acceptable 

3. Microprocessor Equipment / Vendors: 

a) Dukane / NC Sound 

b) Rauland / Ronco 

c) Telcor / Lefler Electronics 

4. 2-hour battery back-up (talk time) 

a) Call Button - Use Standard Location 

5. See GCS Detailed Spec 

C. Cable Tray 

1. No preferred brand 

2. Required 

a) All corridors 

b) Electrical Rooms 

c) Head End Rooms 

d) Server Rooms 

e) Low Voltage Rooms 

D. CATV – School Cable-Vision 

1. Wagon Wheel Circuits 

a) Main line to electrical room 

b) Home runs from devices to electrical room 

2. Box mounted on wall for 110 & Cable Connection 

3. Cable conduit stub to above ceiling 

4. Contractor to install two (2”) inch sleeve above doorway to hall above ceiling 

5. TV Mounts 

a) Prefer Wall Mount for LCD Flat Screen TV’s 

b) Size: Universal wall mount to accommodate 24” to 32” TV’s 

c) Surface cabinet for VCR/DVR 

d) Wall box to accommodate connection between TV and DVR 

E. Computer Cabling 

1. Owner (TSS) to mark drawings for box locations 

2. Owner (TSS) will Bid wire pull and terminations under separate contract. 

3. Contractor to install raceways, i.e. 

a) Single Gang box at location specified by owner 

b) Three –quarter inch (3/4”) conduit run from single gang box with conduit 

stubbed above ceiling 




4. Contractor to install one (1”) inch sleeve above doorway above ceiling. 

5. Wire Color: 

a) Cat 6 - Blue 

b) Wireless - Yellow 

F. Telecommunications 

1. Owner will provide, install, and wire all devices 

2. Dedicated- main line to be installed in low voltage room 

3. Contractor to install raceways 

a) Three-quarter (3/4”) conduit run from double gang box with conduit 

stubbed above ceiling as specified by owner 

4. Wire Color: White 

G. Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) 


a) DITEK 

b) Liebert 



e) Square D 

f) Eaton 

g) GE 

h) Siemens 


devices 

DIVISION 28: ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY 

A. Fire Alarm 

1. Brands (model) 

a) Notifier (NFS 640 or better) 

b) Firelite (9600 or better) 

c) EST (Quick Start) 

2. Standardize Strobe Placement 

a) Strobes mounted near center of ceiling; not above wall cabinet 

b) Consider making strobe placement (intercom/clock/call button location) 

standard guide. 

c) Strobes to be 75 Candela 

3. No site to have two (2) or More Panels 

a) Prefer one Panel for site 

b) If required – two (2) stand alone (not connected) panels 

4. Design Standards 

a) Battery Back-up 

b) Detector location descriptions shown on display 

c) Label all ceiling mounted devices/plates, label duct detectors 

d) Use conduit below ceiling 

e) Consider standardizing intercom, clock, call button location 




5. Knox Box to be installed at Primary Entrance 

a) Consider security system Knox Box monitoring 

6. See GCS Detailed Spec 

B. Security System 

1. Wire color: Gray 

2. Owner to mark drawings for DOOR CONTACT locations when raceway, 

conduit, etc. is needed; Motion detectors will be installed by owner without any 

raceway. 

3. Owner will provide, install and wire all devices. 

4. Contractor to install two (2”) inch sleeve above classroom or interior doorways, 

above ceiling 

5. Door contacts on Mechanical room doors & exterior storage buildings 

C. CCTV – Security Cameras 

1. Digital Sentry (digital video management software) with DS ControlPoint 

(client-user interface) is the preferred viewing software for school and auxiliary 

building security surveillance camera systems 

2. Owner will provide, install, and wire all devices 

3. Wire Color: Green 

4. Dedicated – main line to be installed in electrical room 

5. Owner to mark drawings for box locations 

6. Contractor to install raceways 

a) Double gang box at location specified by owner 

b) Three-quarter inch (3/4”) conduit run from double gang box with conduit 

stubbed above ceiling as specified by owner 

7. Standard locations for cameras 

a) School Office focused on counter area 

b) Cafeteria Cashier’s stand focused on cash register 

c) Kitchen cooler/freezer door 

d) Parents drop off / pick up traffic area 

D. Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) 


a) DITEK 

b) Liebert 



e) Square D 

f) Eaton 

g) GE 

h) Siemens 


devices

Design and Specification Guidelines - Gaston County Schools

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